Honda CRF250RX [2018-2021] Review: The Off-Road Specialist That Rewrites the Rulebook

Introduction

The Honda CRF250RX isn’t just another dirt bike – it’s a precision instrument for riders who demand race-ready performance with trail-friendly manners. Developed during Honda’s golden era of off-road engineering, this 250cc enduro machine bridges the gap between motocross aggression and cross-country endurance. Having spent days throwing this red rocket through everything from technical single-track to open desert trails, I’m convinced this generation deserves its cult following among serious off-road enthusiasts.

Engine Performance: Controlled Fury

At the heart of the CRF250RX lies a 249cc liquid-cooled single that’s all about controlled aggression. The 79mm x 50.9mm bore and stroke combination (3.1” x 2.0”) delivers explosive mid-range punch while maintaining Honda’s legendary reliability. What surprised me most wasn’t the 13.9:1 compression ratio’s willingness to rev, but how the Dual-Timing PGM-FI injection system manages to deliver crisp throttle response across all altitudes – a godsend when transitioning from high-elevation forests to valley floors.

The 5-speed transmission ratios feel like they were designed by clairvoyants – first gear crawls up rock faces like a trials bike, while fifth becomes a desert sled screaming across open terrain. During my test ride, the electric start (still a novelty in this class during its production years) proved invaluable after stalling mid-hill climb.

Chassis Dynamics: Ballet Dancer in Steel Toe Boots

Honda’s aluminum twin-spar frame achieves black magic – 1486mm (58.5”) wheelbase stability at speed, yet 27.2° rake agility in tight switchbacks. The numbers don’t lie:
- 305mm (12”) front / 315mm (12.4”) rear wheel travel
- 328mm (12.9”) ground clearance
- 110.7kg (244 lbs) wet weight

But statistics can’t capture how this machine transforms technical terrain. The Showa SPG fork (49mm USD tubes) and Pro-Link rear suspension create a magic carpet ride over babyheads, yet remain composed during hard landings. I deliberately aimed for square-edged rocks that would unsettle lesser bikes – the CRF250RX absorbed them like a hungry anaconda swallowing prey.

Ergonomics: Command Center for Trail Warriors

That 960mm (37.8”) seat height initially intimidated my 5’9” frame, but Honda’s weight distribution makes the bike feel planted once moving. The cockpit layout reveals its race pedigree:
- Narrow 828mm (32.6”) body width for easy leg clamping
- Aggressive rider triangle promoting attack position
- Dunlop Geomax tires (80/100-21 front, 110/100-18 rear) offering predictable slide control

After three hours of technical riding, my only complaint was the rock-hard seat foam – though regulars in this class expect such Spartan accommodations. The 8.5L (2.25 gal) tank strikes a perfect balance between range and weight savings, good for 80-100km (50-60 miles) of aggressive trail riding.

Competition: Where the RX Stands Out

In the 250cc enduro arena, three bikes dominated the CRF250RX’s era:

1. Yamaha YZ250FX
- Similar weight (112kg/247 lbs)
- Softer low-end power delivery
- Requires more clutch work in technical sections
- Better stock suspension for heavier riders

2. KTM 250 XC-F
- 6kg (13 lbs) lighter
- More peak horsepower
- Higher maintenance demands
- Premium price tag

3. Kawasaki KLX300R
- Trail-oriented tuning
- Softer suspension
- 15% less power
- Lower seat height

The Honda’s ace card? Balance. It lacks the KTM’s razor-sharp edge but counters with bulletproof reliability. While the Yamaha feels more playful, the CRF250RX’s chassis inspires confidence at race pace. For riders who want one bike to handle hare scrambles, trail maintenance days, and occasional motocross track sessions, this Honda remains the Swiss Army knife choice.

Maintenance: Keeping the Red Machine Alive

Here’s where the CRF250RX truly shines – and where MOTOPARTS.store becomes your best ally:

1. Oil Changes
- 1.8L (1.9 qt) capacity without filter
- Use JASO MA2-certified 10W-30
- Change every 15 engine hours (severe use)

Pro Tip: Install our magnetic drain plug (Part# MP-MAGCRF250) to catch metal shavings from that high-strung DOHC engine.

2. Air Filter Maintenance
Critical with the 46mm throttle body’s appetite for clean air:
- Clean every 10 riding hours
- Use biodegradable filter cleaner (Part# MP-BIOFILTER)
- Our pre-oiled filters (Part# MP-OILCRF25) save 20 minutes per service

3. Chain & Sprockets
The 520 chain (13T/48T) wears faster than street bikes:
- Adjust tension every 5 rides
- Replace chain at 1% elongation
- Our X-Ring kit (Part# MP-X520CRF) increases lifespan 40%

4. Brake Service
- DOT 4 fluid changes every 60 hours
- Replace pads at 3mm thickness
- Try our sintered metal pads (Part# MP-SINTCRF) for better bite

5. Cooling System
- 1L coolant capacity
- Replace every 2 years
- Our high-pressure radiator cap (Part# MP-HPCRF25) reduces boil-over risk

The Verdict: Why This Generation Still Matters

The 2018-2021 CRF250RX represents Honda at their off-road finest – a machine that makes good riders great and great riders unstoppable. While newer models have since emerged, this generation’s combination of tractable power, indestructible construction, and adaptable suspension continues to make it a favorite among racers and trail riders alike.

For owners looking to enhance their CRF250RX, MOTOPARTS.store offers everything from performance exhausts to heavy-duty skid plates. And for those still on the fence? Test ride one – just be prepared to fall in love with the most versatile 250cc enduro ever built.

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Specifications sheet

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